Other Names:
Flatulence, Gas

Symptoms:
There is an excess of gas in the stomach. The stomach (or intestines) seems to be too full.

Cause:
Bloating is the accumulation of gas in the stomach, intestines, or bowels. Normally the stomach is sterile because of the acid environment. But when it does not contain enough hydrochloric acid ("Achlorhydria," which see), bacteria from the small intestine migrates up into the stomach. Arriving there, it ferments the carbohydrates and sugars which are there. This produces gas or, what is called, bloat.


Treatment:
• You may wish to take 1 oz of oral hydrogen peroxide (20 drops/oz) twice a day, along with colloidal minerals, betaine HCl (hydrochloride), and pancreatic enzymes, 75-200 mg, three times a day. Take this 15 minutes before mealtime.

• Instead of that, you can take lemon juice and water before each meal. In your stomach, the lemon juice will act similarly to that of HCl.

• At the time of the bloating, this can be done: If the bloating is in the stomach, seat the person upright, apply heat over the stomach. Have him sip hot water.

• If the bloating is in the intestines, have him lie down for a half hour before, and after, meals. Give no fluids with meals, but hot water may be sipped afterward. If needed, give an enema.

• Avoid gas-producing foods, such as beans, cabbage, other members of the cabbage family, and whole wheat flour products.

• To reduce gas-causing sulfur compounds in beans (garbanzo, pinto, navy, etc.), use the following cooking method: Place 1 cup of beans in 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for one minute. Then drain the beans and add 5 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil and continue cooking the beans according to directions.

• Avoid lactose. Eating dairy foods can produce gas in the large bowels.

• It is possible to eat too much fiber at a time. This can induce some bloating.

• Take charcoal, to help reduce the gas. The charcoal will adsorb it and carry it off. Activated charcoal is best.

• People who sigh often swallow air.

• Avoid tight belts and tight-fitting clothes. Those who do not wear belts and girdles have less indigestion.

• Do not postpone bowel movements.

• Avoid drinking at water fountains. You can hardly drink at one without gulping down air.

• A low-fat diet helps reduce carbon-dioxide production in the top (duodenal) area of the small intestines.

• Artificial sweeteners produce gas.

• Drink enough water. A dry mouth encourages swallowing.

• Avoid repetitive belching, for you tend to swallow more air than you release.

• Both chewing gum and smoking increase the swallowing of air.

• Carbonated drinks (beer, champagne, soft drinks) and foods with whipped air cause more food to be ingested.

• Avoid drinking with meals.

• To expel excess air, rock back and forth in the knee-chest position.